With string trimmers, little touches can mean a lot

When Consumer Reports tests most products, we look for features that seem especially helpful for certain users—such as people who suffer back or other pain. With outdoor power equipment in particular, we recommend that concerned users seek out electric start, spring assist, and similar features that ease or replace the pulling of a cord to start a gasoline-powered product. But as we've found in our tests, some helpful features are better implemented than others.

The latest batch of string trimmers we're testing includes the straight-shaft Troy-Bilt TB80 EC, $130, and Craftsman 79120, $160. (Both models also come in curved-shaft versions, the $100 Troy-Bilt TB22EC and Craftsman 79102.) Craftsman's gasoline-powered string trimmers are based on those of manufacturer MTD, which makes Troy-Bilt and other brands. Sears, however, typically requests changes from manufacturers to differentiate models that carry its label. In this case, both company's trimmers were among the best at trimming and edging, even in tall grass and weeds.

All have spring assist to aid in cord starting. What's more, they include two options to the standard cord pull: an optional power-bit start that uses a drill attachment and an AC-powered plug-in power start. The Craftsman 79120 includes the plug-in power start, usually a $40 option. The power-bit start is a $10 option.

With either company's models, these shared features are more than welcome for when you've tried the cord, repeatedly, but are getting nowhere. What the Craftsman trimmers alone have, though, made a difference in how easily these models started—and how convenient the process was. To start the Troy-Bilts, after priming the engine you set the choke to an open position. With one hand (photo of the TB80 EC, above), you then squeeze and hold the throttle. In the other, you hold either your drill (using the power-bit start) or the plug-in power start and turn it on.

If this were all you needed to do, you'd be fine. But after you initially start the trimmer with the choke open, the engine cuts out. (That's common with two-cycle engines.) You then must let go of the drill or plug-assist unit so that you have a hand free to switch the choke to a halfway position. For most people, this means setting the trimmer down—but keeping one hand holding the throttle open. You then run the power-bit or plug-in starter again.

The Craftsman models, by contrast, have an automatic choke you set once after priming. As a result, it requires two hands, not three, and there's no need to stop to change a setting. You don't even have to hold the throttle open.

If you're concerned about back or shoulder strain and must do the job yourself, consider a corded-electric model although you won't plow through tall growth in a single pass as you would with the beefiest gas models. These models also don't edge as cleanly. But when you factor in that they're about 5½ pounds lighter on average, they might be preferable to those post-trimming body aches.

—Ed Perratore